King James Version

What Does Acts 20:7 Mean?

Acts 20:7 in the King James Version says “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to d... — study this verse from Acts chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

Acts 20:7 · KJV


Context

5

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

6

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

7

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

8

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

9

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them.' Sunday gathering for communion and teaching shows early Christian practice. 'Ready to depart on the morrow' created urgency for extended teaching.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sunday worship commemorated Christ's resurrection. The combination of communion ('break bread'), preaching, and fellowship characterized early church gatherings.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Sunday gathering teach about early Christian worship patterns?
  2. How did Paul's imminent departure intensify the teaching opportunity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
Ἐν1 of 26

upon

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

δὲ2 of 26

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τῇ3 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μιᾷ4 of 26
G1520

one

τῶν5 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σαββάτων6 of 26

day of the week

G4521

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

συνηγμένων7 of 26

came together

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

τῶν8 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητῶν9 of 26

when the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

τοῦ10 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κλάσαι11 of 26

to break

G2806

to break (specially, of bread)

ἄρτον12 of 26

bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

13 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος14 of 26

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

διελέγετο15 of 26

preached

G1256

to say thoroughly, i.e., discuss (in argument or exhortation)

αὐτοῖς16 of 26

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μέλλων17 of 26

ready

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἐξιέναι18 of 26

to depart

G1826

to issue, i.e., leave (a place), escape (to the shore)

τῇ19 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπαύριον20 of 26

on the morrow

G1887

occurring on the succeeding day, i.e., (g2250 being implied) to-morrow

παρέτεινέν21 of 26

continued

G3905

to extend along, i.e., prolong (in point of time)

τε22 of 26

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

τὸν23 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγον24 of 26

his speech

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

μέχρι25 of 26

until

G3360

as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl

μεσονυκτίου26 of 26

midnight

G3317

midnight (especially as a watch)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 20:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 20:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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